Commonwealth is the largest privately held independent broker/dealer–RIA in the United States. Williams Asset Management of Columbia, MD, an independent investment advisory and financial planning practice, has been affiliated with Commonwealth since 1994.

In the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction StudySM, Commonwealth received its highest ever overall satisfaction score of 954 on a 1,000-point scale, compared with an industry average of 778, and outpaced the next-highest-ranked firm by 41 points. Commonwealth’s score of 954 equates to “among the best” in the JDPower.com Power Circle RatingsTM.

“To be the highest-ranked firm in the independent channel four consecutive times is truly humbling and remarkably gratifying,” said Commonwealth CEO Wayne Bloom. “We believe that this award is the culmination of our continuous investment in service excellence, the commitment of a dedicated team who shapes the Commonwealth culture, and our focus on fully listening to those whom we serve, particularly the professionals at Williams Asset Management, so we can best serve them.”

Bloom continued, “We attribute our strong performance to our advisors—we are grateful not only for their commitment and support, but also for their partnership, which truly helps us improve. We depend on Gary Williams to actively let us know what benefits his practice and clients, and he relies on us to deliver just that. We are pleased to be their trusted and valued independent broker/dealer–RIA, and we are motivated to continue on this upward trajectory.”

“I am proud to be associated with a broker/dealer–RIA that holds such high service standards,” said Gary Williams, Founder and President of Williams Asset Management. “Knowing that Williams Asset Management is supported by Commonwealth—a company that prioritizes advisor satisfaction and shares my commitment to the success of my firm and the satisfaction of my clients—enables me to focus on my clients. I know and trust that my business is fully backed by a robust and compassionate team.”

Founded in 1979, Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC, is the nation’s largest privately held independent broker/dealer–RIA, with headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California. J.D. Power ranks Commonwealth “Highest in Independent Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms, Four Times in a Row.” The firm supports more than 1,487 independent advisors nationwide in serving their clients as registered representatives, investment adviser representatives, and registered investment advisers, as well as through hybrid service models. For more information, please visit www.commonwealth.com.